what is mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is commonly mistaken for lung cancer. Even though the cancer usually originates in the lining of the lungs, it is not a lung cancer. Although asbestos is the main trigger, it is not the only cause of mesothelioma. There have been people, even children, diagnosed with it who have never been directly exposed. So, what is mesothelioma ?

A rare type of cancer that causes damage to the thin membranes known as mesothelium that line certain organs and parts of the body, mesothelioma is a result of …

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, oftentimes deadly form of cancer that usually results from an exposure to asbestos. Factory workers and anyone who have been exposed to …

what is mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects body tissues, predominantly beginning in the lungs. The cancer begins in the lungs because it occurs as a direct result …

Mesothelioma is one of the more difficult cancers to treat and diagnose simply because it often doesn’t display symptoms until it has advanced into later stages. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues that surround our organs and the spaces in between them. The symptoms are so basic and general that many doctors will often miss them at first, which is why being vigilant is so important, particularly if you are at high risk.

Note that men are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma as women. Being exposed to asbestos also puts a person at risk for the disease.

The Mesothelioma Treatment Center says that radiation alone cannot cure mesothelioma, but that it is often used in combination with other treatments. Radiation therapy uses waves of energy to kill or shrink the cancer cells. The radiation may be administered externally with a beam of energy aimed at the body from an external source, internally from the placement of a radioactive capsule near the cancerous tissue, or systemically, with the patient either swallowing a radioactive material or having it injected so the radiation passes throughout the entire body.

According to Mesothelioma Hope Support and Help, doctors use surgery for two reasons in the treatment of mesothelioma. Patients whose mesothelioma gets diagnosed in the early stages before it has metastasized, or spread, may undergo surgery to have all the cancerous tissue removed in hope of a cure.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation indicates that participation in a clinical trial gives a mesothelioma patient the opportunity to test new treatments or combination of treatments. For patients with mesothelioma that resists current medical treatments, participation in a state-of-the-art trial may offer the best hope for long-term survival. In some trials a control group will get a placebo, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial, and to find out whether any trials are available in your region.

Common asbestos-caused illnesses are mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Asbestos typically is not dangerous, but when in a disturbed or disintegrated state it …

Different Cells in the Human Body. The human body consists of trillions of cells, individual functional units working together to keep us alive. More than 200 types …

In stage II, the tumors are present inside the chest cavity, on both sides of the pleura or pericardium, in both lungs, and the esophagus. The tumors may have now have spread to the lymph nodes.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer. Sadly, it is potentially deadly and often aggressive. However, the length of survival varies for people diagnosed with the disease …

The diagnosis rate of mesothelioma has increased in the past 20 years, despite the fact that the disease is still considered rare. In a given population, the levels of diagnosis depend upon the exposure rates in the preceding decades. Some evidence suggests that rates in the US may have peaked in 2004, coming in at about 15 affected for every 1,000,000 people. From 1980 to 1990, there was a 1,000-person increase in the death rate from the disease. It began at about 2,000 deaths per year and ended at about 3,000 per year in 1990. Today, US death rates tend to be between 2,000 and 3,000 people per year.

Mesothelioma

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma in its early stages are very rare.  This can hinder diagnosis in early stages that will lead to a treatment program in the more advanced stage of the disease.  Symptoms of mesothelioma can be very mild at first, and then as the cancer metastasizes, symptoms become very serious.  It takes approximately fifteen to fifty years after being exposed to the main cause of the disease before symptoms start showing up in an individual.  This substance is called asbestos and is the major cause of mesothelioma.  The fibers from asbestos cause inflammation, scarring, and cancer in the tissues.  Usually the fibers have been inhaled through the nose and mouth.

First the symptoms may be of a mild nature and go unnoticed.  This makes testing one the most vital and important tasks to be completed by any individuals that have ever been exposed to asbestos.  Early diagnosis is always helpful for early treatment for the disease.  The tests may include imaging tests and other diagnostic tests to determine any potential signs of the disease.

When symptoms do appear, they sometimes mimic symptoms of other disorders of the body.  That would include symptoms of emphysema and congestive heart failure.  Constipation, weight loss or weight gain, chest pain, and a fluid buildup in chest area are symptoms found in mesothelioma.  Pleural effusion is the name used for fluid buildup and will be seen on a chest x-ray results.  Shortness of breath, night sweats, swelling of feet, and night sweats can be present.  These symptoms by themselves do not conclude the diagnosis of mesothelioma.  However, these symptoms need to be checked out by a physician.  The individual that has been exposed to asbestos should be vigilant to these symptoms and discuss them with their physician.

Some symptoms of complications of an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma are the neck and face swelling and pain from the spinal cord nerves.  Difficulty breathing because of the fluid buildup in the chest, which causes the pressing down on the lungs and difficulty swallowing are also symptoms of complications.  Some blood in the sputum may be found, as well as coughing up blood.  A dry cough that produces little or no phlegm and fatigue also can be a problem for the individual with mesothelioma.  Some have found lumps under the skin on the chest area that can be very alarming to the patient.

It can no be overemphasized how important it is for anyone who believes they have been exposed to asbestos or contacted mesothelioma by any other way, to contact a physician for testing.  If an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma, a discussion about what type of treatment will be selected.  A lot depends on an individual’s health, and the location and stage of cancer in deciding a treatment method.  Mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer in the later stages and this is usually when it gets diagnosed in the patient.  This makes it more likely that the physician will try to control the cancer, since operating is not always successful in the later stages of the cancer.  The earlier it is diagnosed the better chance of diminishing some of the debilitating symptoms that can lead to a better quality of life for the mesothelioma patient.

mesothelioma law firms

mesothelioma law firms

Asbestos manufacturers along with their insurance firms have noted for over your century that asbestos is a really dangerous product. Nevertheless they have chosen do not warn their workers as well as general public of its dangers.Instead, the manufacturers chose to actually deny that asbestos might lead to any disease. They should have also refused to admit that these were to blame for your pain, suffering, financial losses as well as the deaths of thousands of individuals who either worked to them or were exposed to some.Their insurance companies stood by their sides and backed them as many as the hilt. The insurance firms also denied that the policy holders did any wrong. After all, if insurers lack to pay out an allegation it should increase their profits, wouldn’t it?

At this time quick enough mesothelioma is surely an incurable disease. It is very painful and your victims must have a number of medical attention with the intention to ease their pain and prolong their lives given that possible. The expense of such medical attention might be beyond the budget of most of your those who worked in the asbestos industry.

This becomes much longer painfully obvious once mesothelioma victim can no longer work. Consequently, many of the victims of your asbestos companies have drained their retirement accounts after depleting their life savings in order to pay money for treatments which could ease their burden and extend their lives.Mesothelioma law continues to be established that could have the ability to help people in this situation; people who are now finding themselves in dire financial straits.Among the cruel details of the disease is because even though it may take decades to incubate, once it is diagnosed it progresses rapidly.

Because this terrible disease escalates so radically there is certainly often scant how about its victims to generate any tactics to provide for those they will soon leave behind.When the disease is diagnosed it really is imperative that its victims see a competent mesothelioma lawyer as a way to file a mesothelioma law suit without delay.

One reason why is that the sooner you act so much the better your chance being the financial compensation for which you along with your family need and deserve.A lot of people are often reluctant to obtain linked to any solicitor basically because they believe that it will be expensive to them a lot of time and cash. While in some cases this is true, as long as mesothelioma solicitors are concerned, most uses the burden of their time off your shoulders. They could fall for preparatory work for you with very little inconvenience for success as they possibly can.

And, as long as costs go, a lot of mesothelioma law firms operate on a contingency basis. Because of this it should not will cost or your partners any money. These cases will receive a previously arranged percentage of the mesothelioma settlement that you happen to be awarded.

Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the lungs and is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a dangerous chemical that was banned in the 1990s. The reason that mesothelioma is such a call for concern today is because it can take up to twenty years for the symptoms of this condition to manifest. In fact, mesothelioma has been diagnosed in patients who were exposed to asbestos 50 years ago.

Some of the symptoms of disease include: chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a condition that can be quite difficult to deal with. In many cases, the diagnosis is made too late and the cancer has already spread to many other parts of the body. Once the cancer spreads, there is not much that doctors can do about it. Even if the diagnosis is made early enough, the patient’s quality of life will be greatly reduced. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are treatment options, but none of them are guaranteed to cure this condition.

Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer

All patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma should consult with an attorney. Attorney work hard to make sure that patients get the compensation that they deserve for the pain and suffering that they endured. If a patient has missed days at work due to mesothelioma, an attorney can also fight to get compensation for that also.

Patients should carefully select an attorney for their case. Generally speaking, it is best to select an attorney who had experience dealing with mesothelioma cases. Patients should also make sure that the lawyer they are selecting has won most of the cases. The percentage of cases won is a good indication of how competent the lawyer is. Additionally, a person should also check to make sure that the lawyer is board-certified. The internet makes it easy for people to find information about mesothelioma cancer lawyers.

No amount of money can solve the problems that are created by mesothelioma. However, money can make it easier for people to get the appropriate treatment and pay off their medical bills. The key to winning one’s case is to have a qualified mesothelioma cancer lawyer.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs as a result of exposure to asbestos. There are a number of attorneys on the internet that are willing to represent people who have been diagnosed with this type of cancer and the claim you can receive millions of dollars in award money.

Asbestos exposure and the hazards from it have been known since as early as the 1920’s. These companies manufactured products that contained asbestos including floor tiles, insulation and other building materials. These materials were used in factories, mills, shipyards and other industrial environments. The health and safety of people were put at risk in order for these companies to turn a profit.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Lawyers that represent victims of asbestos related illnesses and mesothelioma have received millions of dollars for their clients to cover medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Many clients have even received awards without going to trial.

It is best to choose an attorney or firm that is located in your state and, preferably in your town. Choosing an out-of-state attorney or firm can cause delays in your case due to records requests and other discovery needing to be shipped. When you choose a firm in your city you will find that the amount of time you spend waiting for your medical records or other discovery information to get to the attorney is much less and the case will continually move forward. In addition, you won’t have a large long-distance telephone bill when you choose an attorney that’s close to home.

Not everyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma will be eligible for, nor will they receive, monetary compensation. The first, and most important, thing that your attorney needs to prove is you acquired this type of cancer from your exposure to asbestos. For people who worked with asbestos their entire lives, this is a given. For people who have had sparse contact with asbestos the case may not be as clear cut. Maintaining the ability to prove how the cancer was acquired will be the basis of any claim.

If you or someone you love are suffering from mesothelioma or other lung disease and believe that it’s due to asbestos exposure, you can find a suitable lawyer online located in your city and fill out the online questionnaire. One of the attorneys will contact you and discuss your case.

asbestos attorney

Up until a few decades ago, many people were regularly exposed to dangerous materials, such as asbestos. Asbestos was used in many things, including automotive brake components and housing components, such as insulation. Essentially, asbestos is designed to regulate the temperature of certain things, while also making them fireproof. Asbestos has been used for several centuries, but no one really realized how dangerous the stuff is. Fortunately, the government banned using the materials during the 1990s; however, that was far too late for many people. In fact, asbestos has been linked to deaths since the early 1900s, so why is it just now being banned? If people have worked around asbestos and they have developed Mesothelioma, they may be entitled to compensation and should seek out the services of a asbestos attorney.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is essentially an extremely rare form of cancer, which makes it extremely deadly. This type of cancer is one that attaches to the outside of different organs, such as the lungs and abdominal cavity. The scary thing about this type of cancer is that it sneaks up on people. In fact, a lot of people who are diagnosed with this type of cancer may have not even been exposed to it in the last 20 years or longer. There are several symptoms involved with Mesothelioma. Some of the symptoms can be pretty noticeable, such as Jaundice, which is when the skin and eyes take on a yellow appearance. However, some of them can go without much thought, such as abdominal pain. Everyone is going to have a weird feeling in their abdominal area at some point in time, so they may not think much about it. However, if any one these conditions persist, they should contact a doctor as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many people do not want to hear that they have cancer, so they may hesitate in going to the doctor, which can result in death.

asbestos attorney

If people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, they should not hesitate in contacting an attorney. This, rare form of cancer, is almost always tied to asbestos exposure, so the cases are generally pretty straight-forward. If someone dies as a result of this type of cancer, the family should also speak with an attorney. When choosing an attorney, it is important to select one that has experience with these specific types of cases. They will already have the research in place, which will substantially increase the chances of receiving the maximum amount of compensation.  Mesothelioma is a very specialized area of the law, and you should be sure to hire an asbestos lawyer who has successfully defended and won asbestos verdicts before.  You want a winner.  They will be familiar with and know the experts to call in to prove your case.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma? May be you’ve heard it for the first time, or maybe someone you know has been diagnosed with the disease.  You have probably also heard the advertisements on TV and on the Radio for Mesothelioma Attorneys who are soliciting people suffering from it.  You are probably asking yourself, what is the connection between Asbestos and Mesothelioma ? In fact, mesothelioma is one form of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Inhalation of asbestos particles through breathing has been the primary cause of mesothelioma. A large number of people with harmful mesothelioma have been engaged in jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. The people who have been openly exposed to the dust and fiber emanating from asbestos have been mainly associated with the disease.

The asbestos substance is very deadly and dangerous. Mere inhalation of a few particles of asbestos could put an end to your life. It is the main cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, which is particularly dangerous form of this deadly disease. Usually, patients identify Mesothelioma several years after considerable exposure to Asbestos, which contains a group of natural silicate minerals that are highly toxic.

The disease usually affects the region between outer layer of lungs and the chest wall of the person. It results in presence of large amount of fluid between lung and chest regions. Sometimes, it may even result in collapse of the lungs.

The victims mostly are those who work in asbestos related jobs. It is caused primarily due to inhalation of asbestos particles. Mesothelioma is considered a rare cancer which is believed to affect one in a million.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

The persons afflicted with mesothelioma suffer from shortness of breath or experience pain in the chest wall region. The other symptom is significant weight loss or severe abdominal pain.

Mesothelioma is divided into different types of like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma etc. The disease is classified into two stages preliminary and advanced depending upon its spread. If mesothelioma is found on the membrane surface, it is considered localized and if it spreads to other parts of the body like lungs, lymph nodes or abdominal organs, it is classified as advanced.

The diagnosis is done by CT scan and Chest X ray and lung function tests. The effective treatment for Mesothelioma is chemotherapy or radiation therapy or in extreme cases, the patient has to undergo surgery.

Since mesothelioma is asbestos related disease, it is necessary to take preventive measures like living away from asbestos manufacturing units and also staying away from asbestos related jobs.

Indirect exposure to asbestos like washing the clothes of a family member who has worked with asbestos could also prove hazardous. This places one at the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Presently, it is illegal to use asbestos. However, it is commonly found in old buildings and structures. Ironically, there are people still dying owing to extensive use of asbestos. In fact, majority of manufacturers are aware about the harmful nature of the asbestos material. Generally, microscopic asbestos fibers enter into the body of industrial labors either by inhalation or digestion.

It is therefore strongly suggested, that if someone who works with you, or resides in the same building, you are mostly likely to get Mesothelioma Cancer. It is all the more necessary that you take every precaution to protect your family and yourself by not associating with people either working in asbestos companies are asbestos related jobs.

How Does Someone Get Mesothelioma ?

Almost every day I have been seeing commercials by attornies (and even hearing them on the radio) soliciting clients for class action mesothelioma lawsuits.  Some of the commercials are very misleading in my opinion and that is a shame.  Our site strives to provide people with accurate and useful information on this dreaded disease.  We also try and answer some of the most often asked questions about the disease.  With that in mind, one of the most often asked questions we receive is – How Does A Person Get Mesothelioma ?

How Is Mesothelioma Acquired?

How Does Someone Get Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer than affects individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are extremely dangerous and can pose major risks for anyone who comes into contact with them.

Asbestos has been used for years in many different products, especially construction and insulation. Although the risks were not well known in its earlier use, it is now a common topic with a vast amount of information available about it. Even so, many companies are still using this toxic material in trace amount in different products.

Once asbestos fibers are released into the air, they can either be inhaled or ingested by a human. At this point, the fibers can travel to any one of the main linings of the body. The pleura is a lining that surrounds and protects the lungs. If the asbestos fibers travel and lodge into this lining, a person will develop pleural mesothelioma. The peritoneum is a lining that surrounds and protects the abdominal cavity. If asbestos is ingested and travels to this delicate covering of the abdominal viscera, peritoneal mesothelioma will begin to develop. Finally, the third type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma. This cancer results when asbestos fibers lodge in the pericardium, or protective covering of the heart. Once the fibrous pieces of asbestos travel to any one of these major linings, they will become lodged and begin to produce carcinogenic scar tissue. At that point, mesothelioma is well on its way to causing numerous health problems.

The dormancy period of all types of mesothelioma is extremely long. This means that the time from exposure to the fibers until the appearance of symptoms can be anywhere from twenty to fifty years long. This fact makes treating mesothelioma extremely challenging because the cancer has normally progressed too far by the time of discovery. Also, the symptoms that come with each type of mesothelioma are similar to the symptoms that other major illnesses and diseases have as well. Most time, mesothelioma is misdiagnosed due to these symptom similarities. For example, pleural mesothelioma may cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, exercise intolerance and chest pain. These symptoms are the same symptoms that many major respiratory diseases cause as well. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthmatic bronchitis and emphysema all carry the same symptoms as pleural mesothelioma.

In any case, it is important to find a reputable oncologist that specializes in mesothelioma and the challenges that it brings with it. By doing this, the oncologist and patient can develop a treatment game plan and begin to fight this horrible cancer.

Malignant Mesothelioma – A Dreaded Disease

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that starts in the cells that line most organs of the body, especially the chest, belly, and heart. The lining formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium forms a protective sac that surrounds internal organs of the body. It consists of two layers: one layer of cells surrounding the organ and another forming a sac around it. These cells secrete a fluid that allows organs to move effortlessly and harmlessly within the space defined by the mesothelium.

Thus, moving organs like the heart and the lungs can function normally only with a functioning mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a disease in which the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, invading the surrounding tissues affecting the very organs they are supposed to protect. In most cases of mesothelioma, the lungs are the organs that are affected. The mesothelium of the lungs is known as the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease.

Risk factors and risk groups

Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos. Around 70-80% of all cases of mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that has been widely used in industrial products such as cement, brake linings, flooring’s, textiles and insulation. The first cases of mesothelioma occurred in the 1900s in Britain where workers at asbestos factories began experiencing a high level of lung disease. The disease was then referred to as asbestosis. It was only much later, in 1959, that the link between asbestos and lung cancer was made.

Mesothelioma can also arise as a result of secondary exposure to asbestos. A chance of developing cancer in families and other persons in contact with asbestos workers is great due to exposure to dust from the clothing and hair of the worker. People living in old buildings (prior to banning of asbestos in construction materials) are also at risk. The occupations that are most associated with mesothelioma include: construction industry workers, electricians, plumbers, shipyard workers, textile workers etc.

Incidence of mesothelioma

Most countries now specify the level of asbestos that can be safely present in the working environment of a person. Since the risk of asbestos-related disease increases due to heavy and longer exposure to asbestos, proper working environment led to a reduction in the cases of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is now a relatively rare disease; only 2000 cases arise every year in the United States.

Asbestos Fibres

Living with the disease

Like many other cancers, there is very little one can do where the diagnosis has not been made in the early stages of the disease. Unfortunately, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in its late stages. There is no cure for the disease. In some cases, tumors may be removed by surgery, in the hope that it has not already spread to other parts of the body. Surgery may aim to remove the tumor or the entire lung. Treatments by radiation and chemotherapy are mostly palliative (i.e. aiming to reduce the severity of symptoms rather than treating the disease).

Mesothelioma Q & A

What is the meaning of Mesothelioma and its effects?

I always hear about Mesothelioma with no idea of what mesothelioma means

Mesothelioma is a worse version of lung cancer basically. WITH POOR POOR PROGNOSIS (extremely low chance of surviving)

It’s effects are much like lung cancer and worse. Usually kills you faster. It though isn’t caused from smoking, but asbestos exposure which could be prevented if the company you worked for helped. People who worked near asbestos and were exposed to it could develop it. Sad disease.

How many different types of Mesothelioma are there?

I am conducting a report on mesothelioma treatment and need to know. I can not seem to find them.

There are 5 types.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
Benign Mesothelioma

What is the chance of getting mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, can it be survived?

If one has been exposed to asbestos for a while, is the chance of them getting mesothelioma inevitable?? If so, is there any chance one could survive it?

Exposure does not mean cancer. If that were true, the rules would be much more strict than we have now. There are many factors and who gets sick is just not understood. There are several cancers that you can get from asbestos , meso being one. However it is the worst, since it is a death sentence. The longest survival I have heard of is six years.

What is the best treatment for mesothelioma?
I want to know in detail that what is the best treatment for mesothelioma? Tell me in detail Please.Thanks

Treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health condition. Before knowing the best treatment, the patient have to past the process identification first. So the doctor will know what is the best for treatment.

Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. for more detail explanation you can read at the source link below.

Mesothelioma is very hard to control, the researcher try to find a new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease.

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What Causes Mesothelioma?

If you have always asked yourself “What Causes Mesothelioma ?“, you have come to th right place.  The primary cause of Mesothelioma is ASBESTOS, and the breathing of asbestos particles.

What Causes Mesothelioma ?

Because of the extreme danger this chemical can cause when ingested, most of the last quarter of the twentieth century was spent trying to clean up the asbestos used in manufacturing and buildings. Direct exposure to asbestos has decreased with the closing of asbestos mines and containment of structural asbestos but tons of the stuff is still at large in the atmosphere and environment. Although mesothelioma cases seem to have peaked around 2004, research on the causes and treatments of this cancer need to continue due to its high rate of fatality.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive, malignant form of cancer that occurs primarily in the mesothelium lining the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and, more infrequently, the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma ). Pleural mesothelioma comprises about 70 percent of cases and the abdominal type accounts for another 25 percent of total cases. Rarer forms affect the heart (pericardial) and testes (tunica vaginalis). Early diagnosis can identify localized tumors that may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or experimental treatments. The outlook is not positive for patients whose tumors have metastasized and palliative treatments are used to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is not optimistic. Between 2,000 and 3,000 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States.

Environmental asbestos in insulation and buildings built before 1989 continues to be a problem and its removal or containment should be attempted only with the advice or services of professionals. Medical professionals recommend that people at risk for mesothelioma do not smoke. Although no link between smoking and mesothelioma has been established, the chemicals and carcinogens in cigarettes irritate the tissues of the respiratory tract and have been linked to certain forms of cancer.

In the 1950s and ’60s, monkeys infected with the SV40 virus were used to help create polio vaccines. Millions of Americans were exposed to the virus through the vaccines. According to the American Cancer Society, some lab tests have shown an increase in mesothelioma in lab animals exposed to the virus. Whether the virus causes mesothelioma in vaccinated individuals is still being researched.

Thorium dioxide is a radioactive substance once used in x-rays. The practice of using thorium dioxide for x-rays was stopped in the 1950s when it was discovered that the substance causes cancer.

Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Prior to 1989 asbestos was used in many products from building materials to automobile parts. Individuals exposed to asbestos in a work or home setting for long periods of time are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a silicate material that was very popular in construction, especially in the 1970s. Asbestos is know for its fireproof abilities and was often used for building materials and electrical insulation. Asbestos has, over the last few decades, been proven as a highly carcinogenic (cancer causing) material. Mesothelioma has a longer gestation period than most cancers, meaning that many people who worked with asbestos throughout the decades are only now seeing the hazardous effects of the product.

Mesothelioma can originate from two areas of the body, the chest cavity, and the abdomen. The cancer that originates from the chest cavity is referred to as pleural mesothelioma and the cancer that originates from the abdomen is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. In rare circumstances the cancer will develop around the heart first and is referred to as pericardial mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is tumorous cancer that can be both malignant or benign. However, in more cases than not, mesothelioma is malignant. The malignant form of this cancer spreads quickly throughout the body and if not caught in time can cause death. Mesothelioma affects on average 2,000 to 3,000 people per year (Asbestos Resource Center).